Makes Investments In UK And Germany, Acquires 328 Support Services GmbH

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has completed acquisition of a UK- and Germany-based aircraft company, 328 Support Services GmbH (328), owner of the type certificate and intellectual property (IP) rights for design, manufacturing, maintenance and certification of the 200 existing Dornier 328 (D328) prop and jet aircraft. In addition, SNC holds IP rights and supplemental type certificates (STCs) for modernization technologies that allow the Dornier 328 aircraft to be used by the U.S. for multi-mission applications ranging from transport and cargo to surveillance and medical use.

As one of the world’s fastest growing and most successful aerospace companies, SNC is making a major investment in European markets to expand globally through modern commercial aircraft technologies. During the past decade alone, SNC's combined capabilities have grown to include design, manufacturing, modification, certification (FAA, EASA and military), integration and support of approximately 400 aircraft for customers worldwide.

328 is headquartered in London with its main operations based at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, near Munich, Germany. It employs more than 150 aviation experts. The 328 management team has significant, relevant experience in customer support, aircraft completions and VIP/Corporate operations, as well as business growth and improvement strategies. SNC anticipates a close working relationship between 328 and its subsidiary, Kansas-based 3S Engineering, in the areas of design and type certification.

“After many years with a close and successful working relationship, this move makes sense at many levels,” said Dave Jackson, managing director of 328. “328’s expert design, completion and type certification skills are a perfect complement to SNC’s portfolio of capabilities and we look forward to expanding further under the SNC umbrella.”

328 purchased the type certificate for the D328 jet and turboprop, as well as the Dornier 428 and other assets, in December 2005 from Avcraft, which acquired it from Fairchild-Dornier. Upon acquisition, it concentrated on ensuring maintenance of the existing fleet, providing stability to the D328 aircraft market in terms of support and residual values. This culminated in the successful continuance of aircraft operations into 2015 and beyond.

In addition to continuing the legacy of the Dornier name, 328 has expanded its capabilities to provide an increasing range of services on a host of other aircraft. This includes full STCs, design, and build-and-certify solutions for customers such as Airbus, Lufthansa and Turkish Technic.

FMI: www.sncorp.com